Proposed Changes to Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark Retention Limits

Draft Environmental Assessment,
Regulatory Impact Review, and Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for a

Rule to Modify the Retention Limit for Shortfin Mako Sharks

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Highly Migratory Species Management Division

April 8, 2022

ABSTRACT:

This proposed action is necessary to implement binding
recommendations of the International Commission for the
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), as required by the
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, and to achieve domestic
management objectives under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act. This proposed action would
adopt management measures implementing a 2021 ICCAT
recommendation prohibiting retention of North Atlantic shortfin
mako sharks caught in association with ICCAT fisheries but that
allows for the possibility of retention in the future. Accordingly,
this action proposes implementing a flexible shortfin mako shark
retention limit with a default of zero in commercial and
recreational Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.

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